NRL Previews - Warriors v Eels (Round 1)

On paper, as many would have seen by now, the Eels starting 13 reads like a trial match line-up. However, reports suggest that Stephen Kearney is rewarding the hardest trainers in his reputedly vicious pre-season work outs. This means that Parra may not fade late in games and may play with a renewed spirit, but we predict the same problems that hindered the Eels 2010 tilt rear their ugly head in this match.

Mortimer and Robson struggle to find enough points, Nathan Hindmarsh makes 75 tackles and Jarryd Hayne doesn't come looking for the ball often enough. The Warriors will capitalise with exactly the opposite. A potent scrum base, a shared effort in defence and their best players knowing when and where to inject themselves. Home ground advantage and Manu Vatuvei give NZ the edge with James Maloney a standout.